Aurora stepped out onto the platform and inhaled the crisp cold air, snow continued to fall collecting in her hair. Finally after spending six and a half hours on what was supposed to be a three hour train ride she was more than happy to breathe some fresh air.

"Aside from the delay the ride wasn't so bad." Lujain stepped out onto the platform next to Aurora.

"It was decent." Aurora checked her watch, 5:30 am.

"Come on, let's go to my place, I'd like to freshen up before I have to go into work." Lujain walked towards the stairs that led to the street, Aurora followed. Lujain was nice enough to offer her a place to stay until she figured out where she would go next, which shouldn't be long. Aurora had no intention of staying in the city for more than a week for fear of being tracked. Knowing her father, he most likely would sent someone after her once he got wind of what she had done.

The two woman walked down the street, with snow crunching beneath their feet and sticking to their cloaks. Aurora couldn't help but smile, the city hadn't changed one bit since she saw it last. Colorful buildings stretching to the sky, the port filled her nose with the scent of salt lightly tickling her nostrils, she missed it.

"We're here!" Lujain announced.

Aurora looked up and found that they had arrived in front of an old abandoned church.

"This is the headquarters of the Cleopatra Alchemist Federation."

Lujain opened the door and they both stepped inside, it was pitch black the light of dawn had yet to break through. Lujain produced her wand and conjured a small light at the tip.

Looking around by feeble wand light Aurora found that the building was completely deserted. There were cobwebs everywhere, a thick layer of dust coated the moth eaten pews. Nothing could be heard except the clicking of their boots on the stone floor.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Aurora asked brushing off a spider web that she had just walked into.

"Oh yes, I'm sure."

Lujain stopped in the middle of the church and held her wand over a mosaic that was on the floor. Blue tiles were arranged to form a sphere and in the middle of the sphere was a golden serpent that was devouring its own tail, in the ring that the serpent created the word 'Ouroboros' was carved. Lujain tapped the head of the serpent with her foot and stepped back. The snake's eyes turned red.

"Can you hold this for a moment?" Lujain asked as she pushed her wand into Aurora's hand. She reached into her cloak and pulled out a small dagger. Aurora eyed her with a mixture of curiosity and concern, does she carry daggers with her all the time?

Lujain pressed the dagger to her hand sliced it, she allowed the blood to fall on to the head of the snake, instantly it released its tail from its mouth and recoiled. The tiles of the mosaic rearranged themselves so that they created an opening.

Aurora held Lujain's wand over the newly formed pit and found that there was a stone stair case that seemed to lead to an underground tunnel. The passage way was lit by torches.

"Shall we?" Lujain smiled taking back her wand.

Aurora only responded with an apprehensive nod, now unsure if she should fully trust Lujain. Was she leading her down into some type of satanic ritual where she was to be the virgin sacrifice?! Come to think of it, in hindsight agreeing to go with Lujain may not have been the smartest move, really, she barely knows this woman!

However there was a certain honest air about Lujain, Aurora couldn't explain it if she tried, all she knew is that her gut was saying that it was okay to trust this person. It seemed unlikely that Lujain would lead her into a trap besides a majority of magical trades in the United States functioned underground, but she can't say that she's ever been to any of these societies. Even the magical government operated underground but no one was allowed in unless on invitation. Perhaps this will be her very first visit, who knows, as irresponsible as her decision was, Aurora couldn't help but feel excited like she was on some secret mission or something.

Lujain proceeded forward and picked up the torch. "Mind your head." She continued to decent down the stairs into the tunnel. Aurora took a deep breath and followed behind closely with the entrance closing behind her, she looked back and eyed the now sealed exit for a moment.

"Are you coming or do you plan on staring at the exit?" Lujain chortled. "I promise, I'm not leading you to your untimely death, only a fool would try to take out a member of such a prestigious family, hold for ransom maybe but in all honesty I make enough to say that I am financially well-off." Lujain continued to laugh at her own joke still walking down the tunnel.

Aurora felt her cheeks grow hot with embarrassment and guilt, Lujain was certainly not trying to kill her, she was too nice and gentle for that sort of thing. She was kind of like Berenice, expect this one actually has a sense of humor.

It was dark and cold, Aurora began to shiver but made no note of her discomfort. The tunnel seemed to go on forever having many different passageways and turns, it was a complete labyrinth! They reach another set of stairs and continued to descend further and further into the earth. How deep is this place?! Aurora wondered and noticed that the deeper they went the brighter it got. The walls were now glittering with different types of gems and crystals embedded into the walls, she couldn't help but marvel at the sight before her; it was amazing! It was so bright that Lujain no longer needed the torch so she extinguished the light and placed it aside. She stopped once they reached the edge of a cliff

"Welcome to the underground city of Accensamque Gemmas!" Lujain brandished her arm presenting the city to her.

Aurora held her breath as she peered down to get a look. She was amazed by what she saw. An entire maze ignited by green gems that lay in the bedrock was buzzing with life before her.

Accensamque Gemmas, was a very old city that was founded by native Animagi way before the colonies were even a thought. This city must be what?- at least a century old? Aurora remembered reading about this ancient city but it was believed that it was lost just like Atlantis, and here she is standing right before it.

"They don't take to kindly to outsiders here, so stay close." Lujain walked ahead and continued down another set of stairs.

Countless people were rushing about wearing the same identical gold coats, black pants, and crimson flat caps. Every now and then one would stop to get a look at Aurora but then continued on their way.

"How is everyone so up and lively this early in the morning?" Aurora asked stepping closer to Lujain as a young woman holding a cauldron full of some neon blue substance rushed past her.

"I don't think they're even aware of what time it is." Lujain shrugged. "It's very easy to lose track of time down here."

"Do people actually live down here?"

"Some do, but I'd say roughly 95% of the people here opt not to live underground." Lujain explained "Us surface dwellers are actually not allowed to live here permanently. There's a specific period of time in which we're allowed to remain in the city until required to return to the surface for a week or two, it depends on how much time you request off. The only person that I know who actually lives here is the Head Alchemist herself, Arzit."

"Surface dwellers?"

"Basically people like you and me who were born and raised on the surface.

Aurora's eye brows raised in surprise. "People are actually born down here?"

"Yes, but I can't really talk too much about that. I'm probably in trouble already for revealing this much."

"How long can you stay before you have to return to the surface?" Aurora asked exchanging the subject.

"A month maximum, I usually go after two weeks. I can't work effectively if I'm down here for more than 14 days-"

"Lujain!"

Lujain paused upon hearing her name and saw a young woman run towards them.

"Hello Fayza."

Fayza was a tall young woman with a Romanesque nose, high cheek bones, and grey eyes. Her short black hair framed her face stopping at ears, she was wearing the same uniform as everyone else save for the gold pin of a serpent eating its own tail that stuck to her cap. Aurora couldn't help but feel somewhat intimidated by the mere presence of her, she was beautiful and tall, like one of those super models she had seen in an issue of that stupid magazine Beatrice is so fond of, Witch Review.

"Arzit would like to speak with you."

"Right now?" Lujain asked nervously.

"Yes." Fayza nodded. "She said to bring your friend too, no use in trying to hide her in your living quarters."

Lujain looked somewhat confused and then nodded.

"Hurry, you know how much she hates waiting." Fayza nodded curtly at Aurora and rushed past them, possibility to return to her station.

"Are we in trouble?" Aurora asked now concerned that she was trespassing on some sacred ground.

"Um…maybe…" Lujain gave her a guilty look and continued to walk.

What is going on? Aurora thought that Lujain was exaggerating when she said that they don't take to kindly to strangers. Well that would explain why it's a bit of a process to come down here. In order to enter the city a blood seal is required, and Aurora would bet her right hand that not just any blood would be accepted, only that of those who were permitted to enter. It doesn't help that she currently sticks out like a sore thumb with everyone wearing the same uniform and all. It just made it more obvious that she didn't belong here.

They stopped in front of two double emerald doors that bore the Ouroboros symbol. Before Lujain had an opportunity to knock the doors opened allowing them to enter. They stepped into the office.

A talk black woman stood before them, she was clad in glittering gold robes, a golden headdress adorned her head; right above her forehead was the same symbol Aurora had been seeing ever since she got here, the Ouroboros (what was so significant about this serpent that it keep on reappearing?) She looked like she could be one of the ancient queens of Egypt, her black eyes had a certain flame in them that when she looked at you it seemed as if she was burrowing into your soul. If there was one opinion that Aurora had formed in the instant of seeing this lady it was that she is one formidable woman.

"Lujain, thank you for coming on such short notice." Her voice was deep and powerful.

"Anything for you Arzit." Lujain smiled nervously.

"I couldn't help but notice that you brought a friend, you know the rules."

"Yes I know." Lujain looked down at her shoes. "Only members of the federation are allowed in the city and any outsiders must gain clearance from you first."

"Do well to remember it, the council has been getting irritated with you. They say that you have a loose tongue- that you keep trespassing on the statute of secrecy, and I don't know how much longer I can keep making excuses for you. Sooner or later they are going to demand that you get called to trail assessing if you are really suited to be a member or not"

"I'm sorry, I will be more careful next time." Lujain murmured looking anywhere expect at Arzit.

The corner of Arzit's mouth twitched and she looked to Aurora. "You're one of Marie's girls aren't you?"

Aurora looked at the woman astonished; how could she possibility know that?! She's never met this woman before. "I-"

Before Aurora could even ask, Arzit grabbed a glass paperweight off her desk and threw it at Aurora as hard as she could. Auror immediately reacted by frantically holding up her hand suspending the object in midair just inches away from her face. Her heart was pounding, what the hell?!

"I knew it," Arzit was now smirking triumphantly. "You are one of Marie's."

"Yes," Aurora said slowly as she reached out and grabbed the paperweight. "But that didn't mean that you had to throw a glass object at me."

"Just making sure that your skills haven't dwindled. Your headmistress works hard to keep you girls on your toes, what was it she always used to say? You don't know if-"

"-danger will strike at any corner." Aurora finished. "How is it that you know Madam Luveau?"

Arzit shot Aurora satisfied smile and moved behind her desk and sat leaning back into her chair.

"She's an old friend of mine. What is your name child?"

"Aurora Pontellier."

"Currently occupation?"

"Geologist I suppose…"

"You suppose?"

"It's a long story. I just graduated."

"I see, and do you plan on visiting your old headmistress?"

"Yes, that is if she'll allow any visitors. I'm beginning to see where she got the inspiration from." Aurora looked to the ceiling. "Metis Academy has very strict rules as to who can enter and who can't and since this city is damn near impossible to fine, I see whom she got the idea from."

Arzit let out a hearty laugh. "You got that right kid! Listen Aurora." Arzit leaned forward and placed her folded hands on her desk. "I like you and I usually don't do this but I will permit you to stay. However, we do have very strict rules about leaving and entering the city, especially since you are not a member of the federation. If you leave without permission you will not be allowed back in, and when you do leave you will speak to no one of the existence of this place. Is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am." Aurora nodded curtly. "May I ask a question?"

Arzit nodded.

"Why are you allowing me to stay if it is out of the norm for you to allow strangers in the city?"

"I already told child. I like you." Arzit stood from her desk and walked over to Aurora. She grabbed her chin and forced her head up so that she could look directly in her eyes. "I've lived on this earth for more than a century and one thing I've learned in all my years is that you can tell a lot by a person by looking into their eyes."

This was unnerving, it wasn't the close proximity that disturbed Aurora but is was the fact that Arzit's eyes were burrowing into hers, almost as if she could read her mind, she felt exposed-naked even.

"What do my eyes tell you?" Aurora asked meekly.

Arzit released her and motioned to the door. "That will be a conversation for another day, I hope you find your stay with us alchemists pleasant."

Aurora stood unmoving until she felt Lujain tug at her cloak and together they exited the office.

XXXX

"Well here we are!" Lujain beamed as she opened the door to a dwelling that was carved in the city walls.

"It's not much, but it's okay" Lujain explained stepping what looked like a modern apartment. "One bedroom, kitchen, living room, washer dryer…"

Aurora looked around, the place was bare. There was no furniture, only some Turkish pillows laid out on the living room floor, a few appliances in the kitchen, and a queen sized bed in the bedroom; she looked to Lujain curiously.

"Since I only spend two weeks at a time here I didn't feel it was necessary to get furniture or anything like that. Also I'm always working, I only come back here to sleep that's it."

"Where did you get these pillows from? They're beautiful." Aurora said admiring the red and gold embroidery.

"A gift from my grandmother when I visited her in Istanbul."

"You're Turkish?"

"Yes," Lujain nodded. "My father is Turkish, my mother is Lebanese."

"I guess that explains the good looks." Aurora winked.

"Oh, you're just being kind." Lujain tittered. "You're not bad looking yourself." Lujain returned the wink making Aurora laugh.

Lujain produced a wand and with a lazy wave a red and gold couch appeared in the center of the room.

"Since I have company over, might as well make this place look inhabitable."

"Oh you don't have to go to all that trouble for me."

"No, it's fine." Lujain took a seat checking her watch, it was almost 7 am and she had to clock into work in an hour.

"I have to leave soon so I'm just going to take a quick shower. Feel free to make yourself at home." She stood. "You can even wonder about the city if you'd like, now that you got the okay from Arzit, I'm sure everyone will be more welcoming…or at least stop staring"

Aurora nodded.

"My only advice," Lujain continued as she stood, "is that you remember what district this dwelling is in."

Aurora gave her a quizzical look, and Lujain explained further.

"The city consists of precincts, kind of like how the five boroughs make up New York City. The six districts are: Aventurine, Bismuth, Cuprite, Intarsia, Kunzite, and Lapis Lazuli."

"Why are they all named after gems?" Aurora smiled amusingly.

"Isn't it obvious? The name of the city itself translates to 'ignited gems'."

"I know, I love it!"

"So what district are we currently in?"

"The Lapis Lazuli District. It's also the best district in the whole entire city."

"Really, why?"

"Because only the alchemists who know how to transmute simple materials into gold are allowed to live here." Lujain smirked. "We are Arzit's darlings!"

Aurora's eyes widened, she had her suspicions that Lujain might have been high up in the chain of this organization considering her causal relationship with the head alchemist but now it all made sense. Being able to transmute anything into gold was downright near impossible, only those who have a natural predisposition for alchemy and are extremely talented could do it.

"Is that why this part of the city is practically deserted?" Aurora asked.

"Yes, only two other people live in this district, Fayza and Alejandro.

"How long have all of you been here?"

"Fayza and I started at around the same time so about 3 years. Alejandro just came from Guadalajara two weeks ago."

"How is he adjusting to being underground? Or this far north?"

"Well he's not the happiest person here, but he's coping."

"I can only imagine, it must be such a drastic change, the weather in Mexico is so much more forgiving than up here."

"Trust me I know! I actually spent a few months in Mexico when I did my study abroad program." Lujain laughed, "I'll take you to meet him later; he's very handsome." She winked.

XXXX

Her first day in Accensamque Gemmas was a bit strange, the residence couldn't help but stare and give her uncertain looks. It was a bit annoying really, like come on! Did she really look like someone who could cause some serious damage? If anything Aurora was more likely to get hurt by tripping over her own shoe laces let alone harm someone! But that was only the first day, after Arzit sent out memo that a trustworthy guest would be staying in the city they did grow accustomed to her presence and stopped staring.

Lujain had to work but she said that Aurora was free to explore if she liked, as long as she didn't go into the restricted section of the city. Naturally this peaked her curiosity, but she would not push her luck, the west side of the city was forbidden 'Authorized Personnel Only' the sign said. But Aurora wasn't heartbroken.

She actually stumbled upon the library on the second day where she currently keep herself occupied. The library was just as impressive as the city itself. Six floors full of books neatly placed on towering bookshelves. The deeper she traveled into the library the older the books got. She reached the first floor which descended below the city itself.

It was dark and cold, but Aurora continued on clinging to her lantern. In the middle of the room she saw what looked like a glass pedestal. A single sheet of papyrus lay in the middle and once again the Ouroboros was present along with other symbols.

"The Chrysopeoeia of Cleopatra." Said a ghostly voice of a man.

Aurora jumped and spun around and to her surprise found that it wasn't a man who stood before her but a human sized bird-an ibis perhaps? - A blue aura surrounded him, he was almost translucent.

"Who are you?" She asked startled.

"I am the keeper of this ancient place." He spread his wings. "I've watched over it ever since its conception in life and now in death."

"You are from the original tribe of Animagi who built this city, aren't you?" She asked slowly.

The ibis nodded, Aurora was astonished. She couldn't believe her luck! She had just met the original founder of this ancient place, she had so many questions to ask him but where to start? How does one go about asking an ancient spirit about their life or anything for that matter?

"What inspired you and your tribe to build this place?" Aurora asked the first thing that came to her head. Of course she was interested in knowing how and why this city came to be.

The ibis, intrigued by her question cocked his head to the side, not many people venture this far down into the library nor have they had much interest in its history.

"My tribe were the original descendants of Cleopatra the Alchemist, the first alchemist to successfully transmute base materials into gold, she was also the original creator of the Philosopher's Stone. She recorded her secrets on that sheet of papyrus." The ibis pointed its wing at the glass case. "She pasted it on to her children and so on and so forth."

"You are originally from Egypt?" Aurora asked in awe.

He nodded.

"What made you come here to the Americas?"

"Because of our vast knowledge in alchemy many wished to destroy us and steal our secrets, so we fled." He ruffled his feathers. "We quickly learned that no matter where we went there will always be those who wished to seek out our knowledge for their own personal gain."

"Is that the reason why this city was built?"

"It was easier to build a civilization beneath the earth rather than on the surface. We are safe here and as long as a descendant of the exalted Cleopatra remains in this city it will always thrive."

Aurora sat taking in his words. This city was unlike any she had ever seen before its structures carved out from the earth, its networks of roads; the knowledge that was tucked away in its crevasses…

"I see you've met our guest, Ka." Arzit's voice broke the silence as she stepped out from the shadows with her headdress gleaming in the dim light. The Ouroboros shown brightly.

"A guest?" The ibis, Ka, cocked his head to the side now eyeing Aurora suspiciously.

"Yes, I have deemed her trustworthy to walk among us."

"Is this why she does not bare the mark of Cleopatra?" His eyes were searching. "You have allowed an outsider in our midst?!"

Aurora subconsciously took a step back, it seemed that Ka was not very happy with her being here, clearly she had trotted on some holy ground.

"And I told you that I deemed her trust worthy." Arzit challenged.

"What makes you so certain girl?! Your forebears would have never been so careless."

Arzit rolled her eyes. "And there you go again you old bird! You've been down here too long. Also me careless? You're the one who went blabbing on about Cleopatra without even knowing who this girl is."

"Watch your tongue you ungrateful brat! You are undeserving to wear the Khat that once adorned the head of your ancestor Cleopatra."

"That may be, but the crown has fallen on my head and I am now the leader of this tribe. My word is law, this is my city now. Your time has come and gone, so do me a favor and step aside and let us young folk make the decisions." Arzit smirked indignantly raising her chin making her taller.

"Fine keep your guest, but she must be branded with the mark."

"No, she is no alchemist. Only those who have mastered the noble art of alchemy and have proven themselves worthy will receive the mark."

"But, our secrets!"

"Has she read the Chrysopeoeia of Cleopatra?"

"No…"

"Then there you go, no need to worry. She hasn't read it and I highly doubt that she intends to make the whole world aware of our existence. You don't plan on blabbing do you kid?"

Aurora shook her head furiously. "No ma'am!"

"See."

Ka eyed the two woman with contempt. "If any misfortune falls upon us it will be your doing Arzit."

"Duly noted Ka." She turned sharply with her golden robes sweeping behind her. "You are welcome to stay here with this grumpy old bird if you like, personally I wouldn't."

Aurora took this as her cue to follow. She followed Arzit up stair cases and through many tunnels, how the hell was anyone able to navigate through this place?! Six districts, restricted west side, and a massive library with a churlish dead Animagus in it…It had been made clear that she was not to utter a single word about the city, but it's not like anyone would believe her anyway, it was complete madness!

"How are you finding your stay here?" Arzit asked holding her hands behind her back.

"Fine…"

They were now in the main square of the city with countless of gold coats and crimson caps bustling about. Aurora couldn't help but admire their work ethic, it seemed as if they were always on the move, almost like watching traders on the trade floor of Euronext Stock Exchange. She had only gone once when she was 11 on one of those rare trips her father took her and her brothers on. Men and women running around frantically trying to get the best price their customers.

"Tomorrow is new year's eve." Arzit began and Aurora eyed her curiously. "I usually let all of my employees out to celebrate…"

Aurora remained silent.

"If anyone from the Lapis Lazuli District decide to go up to the surface to celebrate you have my permission to go as long as you are accompanied by one of them."

Again Aurora didn't utter a word, she didn't really know what to say. Mainly because the conversation Arzit had with Ka was now playing over in her head.

"You said you are now the tribe leader…"

"Yes."

"And this city is the headquarters of the Cleopatra Alchemist Federation."

"Yes…"

"I'm confused."

"Well so am I kid, do you plan on explaining why you are asking me all these questions?"

"Do the people who work for you, for the Cleopatra Alchemist Federation, are they part of the tribe you lead?"

"No."

"Oh…"

"I'm sure you've stumbled upon the west side of the city."

"I've walked past it, yes."

"That is where my tribe resides."

"I thought it wasn't possible to stay down here for too long?"

"Have you heard nothing of what Ka told you?"

Aurora's eyes narrowed slightly.

"My people built this place, we were the first tribe to successfully built a civilization beneath the earth and survive. I don't let my employees stay down here for too long because they were born and raised on the surface, unlike us."

"I see."

"Is that all?"

Aurora began nod and then she remembered something else. "The mark!"

"Yes what of it?"

"What is the mark? Ka said that those who bare the mark of Cleopatra are allowed to stay in the city. What is it?"

"You see this Ouroboros?" Arzit pointed up to her Khat.

"Yes."

"In all of her works Cleopatra always sketched the serpent devouring its own tail. It was a trademark of hers. This is the mark of Cleopatra the Alchemist. All members of my tribe bear this mark." Arzit lifted her right sleeve to show what looked like a crimson red tattoo of the Ouroboros on her wrist. "Even members of the federation have been branded."

"Is it a requirement?"

"If one wishes to be a member of the federation yes, tribe members, well…We get branded at age 13, however those who wish to come work for me have a choice."

"I don't follow, if being a member of the federation means you have to get branded how do you get a choice?"

"Let me explain to you how things work here. You don't get to just show up and ask to be part of this organization, we invite you. Usually I or one of the members of my team come to see you personally if we think you have the potential to become an alchemist."

"Okay and then what?"

"We bring our potential candidates here for training which takes about to 6 months, it may vary with each candidate. At the end of their training they must take the alchemist's exam, if they pass and wish to stay, congratulations you get initiated into the Cleopatra Alchemist Federation and you get branded with the Ouroboros-"

"And if you fail?"

"Your memory gets modified and you get sent home, same goes for those who don't wish to stay, but that has never happened before."

"Memory modification is necessary?"

"Yes, in order to keep the location of this city a secret."

"And why is branding necessary? I'm sure there has to be a reason other than having fancy club tattoos." Aurora snorted with that last bit.

Arzit chuckled. "I'll tell you why kid, but I'm surprised that you would ask such a question. Has Marie taught you nothing about secret keeping?"

Aurora thought for a moment, her eyes widened when coming to a conclusion as to what these brandings are really for. "It's a stamp of concealment isn't it? Should anyone try to so much as utter a whisper about this place or its secrets they will lose the ability to speak?"

Arzit nodded. "More like their tongue will freeze and slide into the back of their throat causing them to choke. It's not a fun time."

Aurora grimaced at the unpleasant description that Arzit just planted in her head.

"But Lujain, she was able to bring me to this place without anything happening to her-"

"I have a soft spot for that one." Arzit shrugged. "I'd like to claim that I don't play favorites, but that is a complete lie. I give special privileges to those who can really impress me, such as my gold alchemists. Only three people out of 200 residing in this city can transmute practically anything into gold, not even my own children can do that (although my son Corbett is close). Do you have any idea how impressive that is?"

"I could imagine it's quite a feat."

"Not even Cleopatra herself was able to accomplish such a thing, she was only able to transmute metals just as iron or copper into gold. Lujain can transmute practically any gem into gold, Fayza did the same except she was able to transmute any liquid into gold. Alejandro really impressed me but using nothing but dirt and turned it into solid gold bars, he also turned synthetic diamonds into Tequila; completely unnecessary but was impressive none the less."

"So the privilege that these 3 get is that they won't die for spilling the beans…"

"Yes."

"Isn't that a little unfair?"

"Nothing in life is fair kid." Arzit looked into Aurora's eyes searching. "Isn't that why you left?"

Aurora tried to remain calm, she didn't like these games that Arzit liked to play. Why was she so fascinated with her in the first place? She was nothing more than a simple witch, she didn't have any extraordinary talents or anything. She couldn't breakdown or rebuild substances like these alchemists could. And here she was trying to prod into her mind, not once has she ever talked about the real reason why she left Briarcliff, so what made her say such things?

"How-"

"Your eyes, there is a certain determination in them, you are not satisfied with sitting around and being told what to do. You want to create a path of your own…Prove your own self-worth."

"You are able to see all of that just by looking into my eyes?" Aurora smiled bitterly.

"I've told you before, I have lived a long time, I hate to admit but I'm actually older than that former head mistress of yours. I've seen people come and go, all of them with different eyes, different paths choices-conflicts! I can tell you are searching for something more than what has been laid out for you."

Aurora stood not sure of what to say, Arzit hit the nail right on the head and oh how she hated her for it! These were things that she had trouble admitting to herself and now a complete stranger was throwing it in her face. She left not just because she wanted to fulfill this fanciful dream of 15 year old girl; in truth she wanted something more for herself than to become a wife. She wasn't sure exactly what it was she was looking for but she was sure she'd find it sooner or later.